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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 4.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

299 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your answer

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Ideas to explore

  • Homeownership may appeal because it can offer greater control over housing and protection from rent increases or a tenancy ending.
  • People may regard property as a long-term asset and a visible sign of financial or personal achievement.
  • When buying is treated as compulsory, people may take on unsustainable debt or overlook the flexibility that renting can provide.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the homeownership preference and state clearly whether you consider it positive or negative.
  2. Explain practical motives for buying, such as stability and the hope of building an asset.
  3. Explain how social expectations can reinforce the preference.
  4. Evaluate the drawbacks, linking social pressure to financial strain or reduced flexibility.
  5. Conclude with a qualified judgement that distinguishes owning a home from making ownership a social requirement.
Useful vocabulary & examples
housing stability
The security of having a reliable place to live without unexpected disruption.

Some people buy a home because they believe it will give their family greater housing stability.

long-term asset
Something of value that may provide financial benefit over an extended period.

Buyers may view a property as a long-term asset rather than simply a place to live.

social pressure
Influence from a community or other people to behave or make choices in a particular way.

Social pressure can make young adults feel that they should buy a home as soon as possible.

financial flexibility
The ability to manage money or adapt to changing circumstances without excessive constraint.

Renting can offer financial flexibility to people who are saving for a deposit.

Task Prompt

In some countries owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation? Write at least 250 words.

User Essay Analysis

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Band 4.0

In a modern society, it is always debatable whether to own a home or just to rent one, so there is a controversial argument that has existed. In details, some believe that owning a house benefits not only your family but also your children. On the other hand, others insist that renting an apartment is a better choice because it gives people more freedom and they do not need to pay a large amount of money at one time. For young people, renting can be suitable because they may change their job or city. They also do not have to repair everything in the apartment, because the landlord is responsible for this. However, rent has to be paid every month, and the price can become higher. This can make families worried, especially when they have children.

There are several reasons why owning a home is important. First, people can feel safe because they know they will not be asked to leave by a landlord. They can make decisions about the home, such as changing rooms or decorating it. Also, a house can be kept for the children in the future. Parents may think that this gives their children a better start in life. Finally, when people finish paying for the home, they do not need to pay rent each month, which can make their later life more comfortable.

In my opinion, this situation is mostly positive because having a home can give a family security and a sense of belonging. However, it is not good if people feel forced to buy one and borrow more money than they can afford. Governments should make both renting and buying safe and affordable. Overall, owning a home is important for understandable reasons, but renting should also be respected as a useful choice.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Explain one ownership benefit in greater depth—for example, connect housing security to a family’s ability to plan for the future.
2
Use one clear comparison paragraph: state a benefit of renting, then contrast it with a benefit of owning.
3
Replace broad or awkward expressions such as “In details” with accurate topic phrases, and check each opening sentence for natural wording.

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